Former Man Utd and Wolves striker Ebanks-Blake acknowledges goalscoring pressure but he’s raring to go for Spireites season

Chesterfield v Hull City, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake

Graham Smyth, Sports Editor

Published:11:05Tuesday 04 August 2015

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Sylvan Ebanks-Blake doesn’t set goalscoring targets, but understands fully that Spireites have brought him in to find the net in League One.

Ahead of his competitive debut at the Proact on Saturday, Chesterfield’s new frontman is raring to go.

Goals have been hard to come by for a player who has had more than his fair share of injury problems in recent years.

But Dean Saunders will be hoping the 29-year-old will recapture the form that saw him clinch the Championship Golden Boot two seasons running while at Plymouth and Wolves.

Ebanks-Blake knows that’s why he’s been signed: “It’s no different to signing at any club, you go there, the manager or club wants to bring you in and you have that duty to deliver what they’ve brought you in to do.

“(Scoring goals) is always my pressure.

“If you’re a striker and your pressure isn’t to score goals then you’re in the wrong job.”

Spireites supporters might have ideas on the number of times they expect the former Manchester United man to hit the target this season – but having started just one game last season before being released by Preston, Ebanks-Blake is keeping things simple.

“I never set targets (for goalscoring,” he said.

“My target is just to play as many games as possible and stay fit.”

And it’s so far, so good on that front.

Earlier this summer he spoke of how intense, but necessary the pre-season training had been since arriving at the club, after shining in two friendlies in 24 hours at Matlock and Buxton.

And now, with the competitive season kicking off on Saturday at home to Barnsley, Ebanks-Blake sounds like he’s ready.

“I feel really settled, I’ve had four or five weeks training and I’m ready for the new season.

“I’m very excited, it’s a nice competitive start to our season, and everyone will tell you that they look forward to the first game after a long, hard pre-season programme.

“We’re looking forward to the Football League to start.”

While he and boss Saunders may not count their half season together at Wolverhampton Wanderers – when the club suffered relegation from the Championship – in their career highlights, Ebanks-Blake said their positive relationship brought about his Chesterfield move, and wants it to yield results in 2015/16.

“It was a difficult time at Wolves, but personally we had a good spell working together and I think that was key to bringing me here, the timing was right and suited both of us,” he said.

“Working with Dean Saunders again is something I’m looking forward to doing again, hopefully we can build something successful.”